Newport SEO Serviceshttps://newportseo.co.uk
Internet Marketing For SMEsTue, 05 Sep 2017 23:26:56 +0000en-GBhourly1SEO On A Break – Why Would You Come To Newporthttps://newportseo.co.uk/city-of-newport-south-wales-attractions/
Sun, 12 Feb 2017 19:43:28 +0000https://newportseo.co.uk/?p=1743Are you going to be visiting South Wales in the near future? If you are heading to our city of Newport for some search engine marketing advice then, you have a lot to look forward to in your downtime. This university city is home to a number of appealing attractions and is busy attracting visitors and residents from outside the area. If you visit us then here are a few of the sights that you should try to see while you...

]]>Are you going to be visiting South Wales in the near future? If you are heading to our city of Newport for some search engine marketing advice then, you have a lot to look forward to in your downtime. This university city is home to a number of appealing attractions and is busy attracting visitors and residents from outside the area.

If you visit us then here are a few of the sights that you should try to see while you are in town.

The Newport City Museum

Do you have a passion for art? Do you have an interest in history or archaeology? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you’ll have an excellent time at the Newport Museum.

This museum is home to a wide range of exhibits. As you walk through the museum, you’ll have the chance to admire beautiful paintings, stunning sculptures, and incredible discoveries. You can easily spend an entire day soaking up the sights in this museum.

The Cathedral

This cathedral is one of the most famous sights in the city area, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a stunningly beautiful cathedral that has a very long history.

When people stop by this city, they usually take the time to see this cathedral. Even if you don’t normally stop to admire cathedrals, you should take the time to check out this one.

The Belle Vue Park

This Victorian-style park is absolutely stunning. It’s one of the loveliest parks in all of Wales, and it has been recognised by a number of organisations. As a matter of fact, the park recently was given the Green Flag Award.

Belle Vue park is quite large, and it is open to the general public. If you decide to visit this park, make sure you take your time. There are plenty of things that you can admire while you are here.

The Castle

While Newport Castle is no longer standing, you can still set aside the time to visit the castle ruins. This castle was built back in the 14th century, and only a small part of the castle is still standing today.

It’s amazing to see the ruins of a beautiful castle like this one. When you look at the castle and the water behind it, you can imagine the bustling area as it was hundreds of years ago.

The Transporter Bridge

It’s likely that you’ll have to travel over the Newport Transporter Bridge as you head into the city. While you’ll appreciate the view from the bridge as you drive over it, you should also try to look at the bridge while you are on the ground.

The sights that you can see around this bridge are quite impressive. A bridge may not be the most exciting attraction in all of Wales, but it can still be very appealing. A large number of people have been impressed by this bridge.

Make the most of your trip to Wales. Soak up the rich history in Newport, and make a point of visiting some of the city’s most beautiful sights. If you plan your trip wisely, you should be able to take a trip with a lot of sight-seeing included.

]]>The 3 Pillars of effective SEOhttps://newportseo.co.uk/3-pillars-seo/
Tue, 22 Mar 2016 14:15:19 +0000https://newportseo.co.uk/?p=1537Understanding Basic Search Engine Optimisation Concepts The understanding of ‘SEO’ varies in the business owner world from just about zero to quite well informed. Understanding just what search optimisation is can be very confusing and isn’t helped by the plethora of agencies – Internet Marketing, Digital Media, Web Design and so on who include this as part of a service package they offer. Many a small business owner has been sucked into accepting search improvement packages by such agencies looking...

The understanding of ‘SEO’ varies in the business owner world from just about zero to quite well informed. Understanding just what search optimisation is can be very confusing and isn’t helped by the plethora of agencies – Internet Marketing, Digital Media, Web Design and so on who include this as part of a service package they offer. Many a small business owner has been sucked into accepting search improvement packages by such agencies looking to expand their portfolio of offerings by upselling add-on packages. Such experiences often don’t have a happy ending.

The truth is that much like specialist lawyers, architects, doctors it pays a business owner to deal with an agency or SEO consultancy that specialises in search promotion first and foremost. Anything less sells the company client short and, while there are some competent agencies out there who also offer search optimisation, they are few and far between.

Are you considering whether SEO is right for your business? If so then it’s really important to realise that working with an SEO specialist is an ongoing partnership – not a single package of work that is delivered and then forgotten about. The landscape is forever changing and only a firm or consultant specialising in SEO can offer the very latest cutting edge knowledge. Factor in that poor work can truly harm, even destroy, a business and the case for working (and partnering) with a specialist makes itself.

Search optimisation is based on the ability to rank a client web property (not just websites but videos, social media pages etc) at the top of major search engines. Of these, Google is by far the big boy in town and concentrating on your Google ranking is very advisable for any business looking to attract web traffic and possible conversions.

The Basis Of Search Engine Optimisation

Broadly speaking SEO breaks down into 3 broad areas;

a) On-Page Optimisation – This involves fine-tuning of web page content to target and rank for specific terms known to be used by people searching for a given service or product etc.

b) Off-Page Optimisation – The basis of this element is to acquire and optimise those external factors that relate to a website or other web property

c) On-Site Optimisation – This area of work relates to the site performance itself (for a website that includes such factors as page-loading speed, mobile-friendliness, coding standards and several more).

The important thing to realise is that individually working on the areas above will bring benefit but it is when all 3 are implemented together with knowledge, the correct resources and as part of a strategy over time that real gain is seen.

So, with that said, can you see the problem with an agency that ‘adds on’ SEO when their client’s website is built?. Firstly, most add-on packages of search optimisation will not encompass all three of the above and, if they do, then not with sufficient knowledge and breadth. At the same time, you can see that it is a strategy implemented over an extended period that brings the really valuable gains for a business. If that sounds like a pitch for a long run of work then I’m sorry but that is the truth of it. It will take time to devise, deploy and see results from an SEO campaign at the business level. There are those that will promise quick results but often the risk of that approach is a long-term penalty and harm to the site. Google is on the lookout for ‘Unnatural’ behaviour on a website and trying to cram search optimisation into a few weeks qualifies in spades. Many business owners have discovered that to their cost.

Understanding that SEO for website ranking is a marathon and not a sprint is the name of the game. Accepting and working with this is what delivers long-term and, more importantly, generally sustainable results for a company. Choose wisely when considering such work for your business.

If you would like further guidance and to discuss your SEO requirements then get in touch.

]]>Why Should A Business Care About Local SEO?https://newportseo.co.uk/local-seo-and-value-to-a-company/
Mon, 07 Mar 2016 08:09:30 +0000https://newportseo.co.uk/?p=1504Most businesses that have even the smallest internet presence realise the importance of Search Engine Optimisation in order to attract customers and clients to their website rather than that of a competitor. SEO is the key factor in getting any website ranked and displayed on (hopefully) the first page of the major search engines such as Google or Yahoo but most people are under the illusion that all such searches will give priority to larger companies in the bigger cities...

]]>Most businesses that have even the smallest internet presence realise the importance of Search Engine Optimisation in order to attract customers and clients to their website rather than that of a competitor. SEO is the key factor in getting any website ranked and displayed on (hopefully) the first page of the major search engines such as Google or Yahoo but most people are under the illusion that all such searches will give priority to larger companies in the bigger cities whereas this is simply not the case.

Even the smallest of businesses, a washing machine repairman or gardening handyman, can use the power of the internet to direct traffic to their business by using local SEO to give themselves an edge on the competition and increase their customer base. But what is it exactly and how can local SEO help your business?

Simple Local Search Optimisation For A Business

You are not out for world domination or to be the next Richard Branson but you want to increase business and, consequently, profits for a small concern in one or two specific areas of the country. So how do you attract more business and what can you do about it with your available marketing resources?

Location, Location, Location. Most people searching for a specific business, product or service will confine their search to the town, suburb or locality that is most convenient for them. It’s only common sense that if you live in Leeds and are looking for a house painter, you don’t want one that is based in New York. A search on the internet for a suitable painter would include the location “Leeds” and this is the first crucial factor in using local SEO. It should be clear to the prospective client or customer exactly where your business is based and which areas of the country you cover. If operating a bricks and mortar business, it should be made perfectly clear to the customer exactly where you are located and a map and precise directions are almost mandatory. There should be absolutely no confusion or ambiguity about the exact location of your business as customers will quickly lose interest and move on to a more informative website.

Use Local Keywords. Without going overboard, it is no harm to mention your location several times on your site. If you are based in Leeds, this fact should be mentioned several times to increase traffic to your website when the term “Leeds” is used in a search. It is very easy to get caught in the trap of using your business name, the service provided and your location too many times but a few times each is fine and always use them in a natural and readable manner so it doesn’t sound stilted or as if you are trying too hard to attract business. If there are local well-known buildings or monuments nearby, use these as well as some people may search for how close a business is to a local landmark.

Local Details. Another tool that will attract potential customers to your business is to emphasise local specialities or services that are unique to your location. Everything, of course, depends on the business you are in but if it’s food then highlight local delicacies or if in the travel game then mention the fantastic scenery or amenities in the area. Make sure, however, that whatever you include is relevant to your customers’ needs and don’t merely pad out your site for the sake of it.

Clear Information. Regardless of your location or how big or small a business you run, all customers will want the necessary information at their fingertips without the need for checking another site or making a phone call. The name and address (precise address) are vital and should be clearly visible, as should any relevant phone numbers, email addresses, opening hours and any information that will make your prospective customer’s life easier. Costs of services, hourly rates, price lists and guides should always be displayed clearly using legible fonts and colours and kept scrupulously up to date.

Simple is Best

Put yourself in the customer’s position when deciding what should and shouldn’t be included to improve your local SEO rankings. Imagine you are searching in your area for the product or service you provide. What words or phrases would you use to search the internet to find what you are looking for? Chances are, these are the same as real customers would also use so incorporate them into your website. Keep it simple yet include any and all relevant information while emphasising your location as this is your main advantage over the competition in the surrounding area.

]]>Google Slips In AMP (Accelerated Mobile Pages)https://newportseo.co.uk/google-slips-in-amp-accelerated-mobile-pages/
Mon, 29 Feb 2016 14:36:19 +0000https://newportseo.co.uk/?p=1459What Is AMP And What Does It Mean For Me Webmasters and SEO agencies have been aware of Google’s goal to provide the speediest possible search and browsing experience for some time. Now it looks like G has introduced their latest initiative, Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP for short). News is emerging that the first people are seeing the presence of AMP on mobile search results and this will likely increase rapidly if the introduction remains relatively trouble free. The purpose of...

Webmasters and SEO agencies have been aware of Google’s goal to provide the speediest possible search and browsing experience for some time. Now it looks like G has introduced their latest initiative, Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP for short). News is emerging that the first people are seeing the presence of AMP on mobile search results and this will likely increase rapidly if the introduction remains relatively trouble free.

The purpose of AMP is to speed up access to mobile information through the use of an open-source HTML framework geared at delivering content faster to mobile users. You can also bet that the use of AMP compliant posts on your site will pretty soon play into the ranking algorithm Google runs for mobile searches.

So just what does an amp post look like. Well, the use of AMP compliant code can be seen on this blog post here on the site

You’ll notice that you have a pretty standard looking URL but with the addition of the additional parameter ‘/amp/’. This extension is the trigger that allows Google search algorithm to identify AMP compliant posts aad serve it up.

If you take a look at the images below you’ll see a ‘before’ and ‘after’ example when viewed on a non-mobile device (remember, these posts are aimed at mobile device users). Mobile users will see the giveaway identifier for AMP which is the blue bar (but with an added icon not seen here).

Non-AMP post example

AMP-compliant Example of the same post

What This Means For Search

Well, firstly as noted above the time will certainly come when AMP wil be a ranking factor for Google. They make no secret of the fact that rapid accessibility will influence a site’s rankings in their search engine. The testing of AMP is another step on that journey so webmasters and site owners should begin to plan for AMP on their sites in the near future.

Another impact will be that post contents are pushed still further down the post as the blue AMP bar will show at the top of all AMP-enabled posts.

Although the roll-out of Accelerated Mobile Pages has been expected for some months, it looks like the ball is finally rolling. Watch out for further information on this development which looks to potentially have huge significance for future site design and optimisation….even though we’re in the opening stages at the moment.

If you’d line to hear more about how AMP is going to be important to your business then contact us here.

]]>Local Business – Google Changes Search Results Layouthttps://newportseo.co.uk/results-layout-changes-in-local-g-listings/
Sat, 27 Feb 2016 09:14:21 +0000https://newportseo.co.uk/?p=1424Why Local Business Should Care About Google’s Latest Page Layout Changes Without a great deal of fanfare, Google has just (Feb 2016) made certain very interesting changes to the layout of results presented when local searches are carried out. For local business owners, this change offers both opportunity and challenge depending on your point of view and search marketing strategy. So what exactly are the changes that have been made and what are the implications for marketing a business in...

]]>Why Local Business Should Care About Google’s Latest Page Layout Changes

Without a great deal of fanfare, Google has just (Feb 2016) made certain very interesting changes to the layout of results presented when local searches are carried out. For local business owners, this change offers both opportunity and challenge depending on your point of view and search marketing strategy.

So what exactly are the changes that have been made and what are the implications for marketing a business in Google?

Change is nothing new for Google and we can be sure there will be many more to come in future. These latest changes see primarily;

a) Removal of the Pay-per-click ads that used to be displayed in a sidebar on many search results pages

b) The introduction of 4 pay-per-click ads at the top of the page, followed by the Google 3-pack (sometimes called Local Pack) listing.

There are several big takeaways for business owners to be aware of from this change but one of the biggest is that ‘free’ organic result listings in search are regularly going to be pushed below the viewing area of a searcher’s screen display. For those businesses sitting pretty in the top 3 organic listing places for a given search term, this is not good news. Potentially, therefore, the value of ranking in organic search could (and probably will) become of less value. When planning a long-term SEO strategy, this will be an important point to consider.

In a nutshell, here are the main points to be drawn from this change

Pay-per-click increases in opportunity and attractiveness to the business owner.

The addition of a 4th paid Ad slot offers greater opportunity for advertisers (and increased revenue opportunity for Google). If your paid Ad is currently ranking number 3 at the top of the page you will likely receive a significant boost as position 4 becomes the new position to prop up paid listings. Local business owners will be reconsidering whether a paid Ad campaign (through Google Adwords) is going to be more in their future interest than going after good rankings in local organic search.

The value of ranking in the local 3-pack just became a lot more important

The first ‘free’ ranking position is now occupied by the 3-pack listings. It follows that these have also now more than ever taken on greater importance. The number #1 position in the 3-pack is going to be even more desirable for a business owner. When considering what questions to ask a potential SEO provider, a business is also going to want to ask about ranking for multiple search terms in the Google local pack. Local rankings in Google Maps and 3-pack is a valuable local SEO expertise to have and one to tap into if your Search Optimisation or Internet Marketing provider offers the service.

Ranking in Organic search listings has been devalued

As previously mentioned, even the highest rankings for organic keywords (so long a free source of additional traffic for business) will have their value reduced. Just how significantly remains to be seen as it will take a while for new search habits to form with the searching public and for those patterns to be established and recognised.

There are other minor changes in addition to this latest layout change but the main 3 are discussed above. Google changes constantly but this I would consider a major change because of the potential to change the pecking order of value in Google’s search results. Both SEO consultants and business owners will need to adapt (as they always have) to changes in search engine behaviour but that has been true ever since Google became the big kid on the search block.

There is both significant opportunity and risk to the current order here. If you, as a business, would like to discuss these changes and their impact on your current search optimisation strategy then please feel free to Contact Us.